Tesco is taking over! (Tesco)

Member Name: shopaholicleo

Product:	Tesco
Date:	10/03/09 (87 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Variety of brand levels, conveinient

Disadvantages: Can get crowded

I live in a town of many Tescos. There's a Metro store in the busy Victoria Centre, an express store round the corner opposite the Police Station, one in the Market Square and another about 5 minutes away in the Lace Market, meaning that my visits to Tesco are mainly due to convenience. I know that the Metro store will stock a variety of different brand levels, such as the Value and even cheaper Discount brands ranges, and it's open till about 10 at night, so I can do a weekly shop after work or a late night at Uni. As a student, I only really have Aldi, Tesco and Asda at my disposal, and I am beginning to learn what the best bits to get in each store are.

I tend to buy most groceries here, including tinned food, milk, juice cartons and household bits like toilet paper and washing up liquid, as well as the odd treat when it's on offer. I know that I can always get what I need here for whatever I may be making, such as couscous or Nandos marinade and that it will be a reasonable price. I am also impressed with the Discount Brands range, designed to rival Aldi's slightly foreign-looking produce, as it is often slightly cheaper than the equivalent Value product (but probably the same thing). I find the taste of their Value products acceptable, but most things I buy I add extra seasoning or ingredients to, to give it something extra. Their special offers are something I also look out for, as they are often significantly cheaper, and I have a chance to try things I wouldn't normally splash out on. For example this week, I went for a half-price Finest chocolate pudding, a rare treat. They choose a range of items on offer, so there is definitely something for everyone (especially meat, always good for a student barbecue). I would definitely allow a part of your shopping budget for these treats, adding a bit of excitement to all your Discount Brands items.

Being in a busy shopping centre, the Metro store does tend to get quite busy (the longest I've queued for is about half an hour!) and I often find that the cheaper items I want are out of stock. Now I guess this is the reason that 3 smaller Tesco stores have appeared within the past year. These Express stores tend to be open later, and have a simple layout where you can find what you want easily. The main problem I have is that the prices of some of the items is more, not by much, perhaps by 5p, but as a student you will notice a difference doing your weekly shop here. There also tends to be 2 or 3 different brand levels, and none of them cheap. If you want washing up liquid, you will either to buy Fairy or Tesco own brand, no Discount Brands Daisy in sight. The premium Finest range is also prominent, so I imagine that the perceived customer of these stores is quite well off, just popping in to buy a few bits for dinner and some wine. I try not to visit these stores as much for this reason, and I guess others do the same, which is why the main store remains overcrowded.

One thing I do like about Tesco, is the Clubcard system. It's a simple scheme, you get one point for every pound you spend, and once you get 150 of them, they send you a £1.50 voucher. They also send you extra vouchers to increase your points, and I've noticed that they must be tracking my spending as I tend to receive them for milk, bread and frozen foods. I don't really mind though, as it's quite handy to receive vouchers for things I actually want to buy, rather than what they think I should. There is also the opportunity to trade your vouchers for 'Deals' vouchers, sometimes quadrupling their value so that they can be spent in restaurants and theme parks. I am trying to wait until I accumulate a few of these vouchers, instead of spending them straight away, so that I can get something worthwhile.

Supermarkets are now becoming one-stop shops, and Tesco is no exception. I have a Tesco Mobile, and Tesco Savings account and I'm sure the amount of Tesco branded things in my life can only increase (slightly scary I know). I do like the brand though, as I associate it with simplicity and value, mainly due to their effective and instantly recognisable advertising. Within the Metro store you can buy dinner, household bits and basic appliances, and they keep their stock relevant to help the growing student population, which is why it's always full. I doubt my twice weekly visits will end any time soon.

Summary: It's everywhere!